Storms can require careful handling of gasoline

As those portable generators are getting cranked up, you might find yourself transporting and storing gasoline.

•Don't even think about siphoning gas with your mouth. Fumes can damage your lungs, and ingesting gas can damage the esophagus and the stomach. Besides, gas tastes horrible.

•To get gasoline from your lawn mower, car or boat into your generator, experts recommend buying a siphon. Some home-improvement stores sell gasoline cans fitted with their own hand pumps, and smaller siphons can be found at boating supply stores.

•If you must store gasoline, put it outside. Don't store it in a garage. It has to be fully ventilated because you don't want fumes confined in a finite place. And if you can get it out of direct sunlight, you are far better off, so it doesn't heat up. You don't want to have gasoline baking in the sun.

If fumes leak from a container, you'll want them to dissipate as quickly as possible. If gasoline leaks or spills from containers, don't use a garden hose because then you are scattering the gasoline and it's getting into your soil and dirt. If you have a small leak, use sand or kitty litter to absorb it all. Gather it up and dispose of it safely in the garbage.

•If you must store gasoline, you might consider gas preservatives to keep gas longer. One such product is STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer that could keep fuel fresh for 12 months when mixed into fresh gasoline.

•Gasoline is dangerous, and experts say it's best to avoid storing it if you can. Gas stations store it underground because it is extremely flammable.